Mediating role of right superior corona microstructural changes in linking attentional control and trait anxiety among youth with childhood maltreatment.

Abstract

This study explores the neural correlates between attentional control and trait anxiety among youth with a history of childhood maltreatment. Using diffusion tensor imaging, we investigated the microstructural integrity of brain white matter, particularly focusing on the right superior corona radiata (SCA-R). A total of 173 university students with experiences of childhood maltreatment underwent behavioral assessments using the Attentional Control Scale and trait anxiety measurements via the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Our analysis found significant correlations between fractional anisotropy values in the SCA-R and trait anxiety levels, controlled for age and sex. Notably, SCA-R fractional anisotropy values partially mediated the relationship between attentional control and trait anxiety, suggesting a potential pathway through which attentional control could mitigate trait anxiety. These insights highlight attentional control as a potential mitigating factor against trait anxiety, particularly noting the partial mediation role of the SCA-R. Importantly, this study is descriptive and correlative, highlighting associations rather than causal relationships among the variables studied. These findings enhance our understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying anxiety in individuals with a history of childhood maltreatment.